Honda Big Red MUV Side by Side. The Honda Big Red MUV adds yet another acronym to the side x side category. Honda says the "MUV" stands for "multipurpose utility vehicle". So after sitting on the sidelines, Honda finally unveils their answer to the side by side question. I know a lot of Honda fans have been waiting a long time for this one. Side by Sides are hot right now, so with the Big Red MUV, they finally have a dog in the hunt. Question is - was it worth the wait? Let's see. Overview If you're familiar with Honda Civics, you should be right at home in the Honda Big Red. Compared to other UTVs, it has a distinctly automotive look and feel. A 64" width and more than 1,400 pound weight lends even more to that impression. Along with that comes a more refined fit and finish. Controls have a more car like look and feel to them. Even the driving experience is more automotive thanks to the power steering and real automatic transmission. That's right - it works just like one in a Civic.  Even the marketing material mentions the "SUV" like styling of the Honda Big Red. Which brings us to the styling. Hanging around some showrooms and checking in on some message boards would probably offend the Honda design engineers. Let's just say most folks didn't feel like that was a strong point of the Honda Big Red. But that's OK - it's obvious the MUV 700 was intended for work first, then play. Sporty it's not. Real work on real farms and ranches is where the Big Red will be at home. Folks that value quality and function will be impressed with the big Honda. Folks like farmers and ranchers! The easy to use dump box is something anyone with chores to do will like. There is now a UTV with dump box handles on both sides! And hydraulic assist to help with raising and lowering. A bonus is easy access to the air box for servicing with the bed raised. 
 If you would rather be visually stimulated - check out these videos of the Honda Big Red in action. Honda Big Red DetailsEngine - Single cylinder with liquid cooling and EFI. Basically the same engine as the Rincon. Pushrods are used to reduce the height of the engine. Tuned for maximum torque, the top speed is a not very fast 40 mph. It is excellent for towing though.A high mounted front radiator keeps it out of the mud, and a liquid cooled oil cooler helps out with engine cooling. The fuel system has an automatic shut off in case you end up on your head. Transmission - Big news is a for real automatic tranny with a torque converter and three forward speeds with reverse. No CVT belts to slip or get wet. Front and rear sealed shaft drive too. 2wd is a limited-slip turf mode - 4wd is limited-slip - and 4wd locked does just that. Steering and Suspension - The Honda Big Red MUV won't be mistaken for a sporting UTV. Modest numbers for wheel travel and ground clearance from the chassis and double wishbone suspension eliminate any thoughts of high flying performance. But the sealed power assisted rack and pinion steering system sets a new standard. Low effort, good feel, accurate, and with very little kick back. Once again, a refined, automotive-type feel. Brakes and Wheels - With a nod towards practicality, Honda went with all four wheels the same size. That means a single spare will fit on any corner. The 25 x 10-12 size also has wider selection and lower price than 14's. Four wheel disc brakes are standard with dual front and rear diagonal brake line connections that will maintain braking in the event of a failure at any wheel. Large disc pads are used for better wear. Interior - When you open the door to enter the Honda Big Red, the car-like experience continues with a door handle just like one on a car. The cab is pretty roomy thanks to the extra large size of the MUV. Rubber mounted seats seemed comfy for all day work or play. Two screws on the seat back provide adjustment for it. Between the seats, you'll find an emergency brake lever and a waterproof electrical socket. Space under the hood is provided for a second battery if needed. The dash and controls show off Honda's expertise at car building - nicely arranged gages and lights, and well placed controls. Two levers protrude from the dash - one for selecting F - N - R, and the other for 2wd, 4wd, or 4wd locked. There's even a low fuel warning light. Cup holders and extra storage complete the dash layout. Moving to the floor, you'll see pedals for the throttle and brakes. A foot rest or "dead pedal" is left of the brake. Nice for bracing yourself in rough going. A raised stop on the throttle side helps keep your foot in place on that side. All in all - a very nice, very car-like arrangement. Exterior - The main components are the dump bed out back and the forward tilting hood/fender combo in the front. Both are made from hi-impact plastic. The bed of the dump box is steel reinforced. The inside of the bed features replaceable plastic panels in case of damage.  Safety - The Honda Big Red comes with a sturdy looking roll cage complete with retaining nets. There's an offset angle on top to reduce the chance of injury in a roll over. Three point auto style seat belts with automatic sensing keep you strapped in place. Front and rear brakes are linked diagonally and use separate master cylinders to preserve braking if a brake line or caliper sustain damage. Double latch door handles help keep the doors closed and your legs and feet inside where they belong. All the safety features, along with the solid handling and feel of the Honda Big Red, translate a safe and secure feeling to the driver and passenger. You don't feel like you're about to be part of an impending disaster when the going gets a little rough! ConclusionGood:
Bad:
 Final Thoughts - The Honda Big Red
MUV 700 is aimed squarely at folks with a job to do. It's obvious
that's where the focus was placed. A few tweaks were made to give it some recreational capability. If Honda did their market research correctly - it hits the mark. The quality, reliability, and functionality that are expected from Honda vehicles are all here. If they were wrong, and there were a lot of people that wanted a sportier more Pilot type vehicle, then their aim was off by a mile. Of course this is only Honda's first attempt at a side by side UTV, who knows what's next? 2009 Honda Big Red MUV 700
Specifications
Related links: Honda ATV Guide to Honda Four Wheeler Models, ATV Parts, and ATV Accessories for Honda Quads. Honda 4 Wheelers 4x4 Models - If you're looking for Honda 4 Wheelers 4x4 models like the Rancher, Foreman, and Rincon at bargain prices, don't miss our buying guide. Honda Four Wheelers For Sale - This guide is all about how to find great deals on Honda Four Wheelers for sale at auction prices. How To Guide shows you step by step how to find an unbeatable bargain. Honda OEM ATV Parts - Looking for Honda OEM ATV parts? Don't like paying list price at your friendly local Honda dealer? Neither do we. That's why we found a few ways not to! Check out these tips. ATV Tires for Hondas - How to find the best deals on Honda four wheeler tires. We looked high and low for the best deals on tires for Honda 4 wheelers and we'll tell you everything we found out! From which kind of tires you need to the best places to find them. It's all here. World of ATVs Home page from Honda Big Red. |